Research Psychologist A has been conducting a study with human subjects for nearly a year. As a result, A has come to know Participant M quite well. The study is taking longer than expected, and some of the participants are leaving the study.
Because of the nature of the working relationship with the participants, Research Psychologist A and Participant M have become interested in an intimate relationship. Since neither one wants to jeopardize the progress of the study, they agree to retain only a professional relationship for the duration of the study, and then to pursue an intimate relationship once the study is completed and the results have been published.
In this assignment, you will address the ethical issues of this case and will present options for resolving the ethical conflict. You will be required to consider individual perceptions as well as the needs, potential, and motivation of the involved parties when positing your resolution.
Directions:
Write a paper (1,750-2,000 words) in which you do the following:
Describe the ethical conflict in the scenario above.
Describe the options for resolving the ethical conflict including the interpersonal perceptions and other considerations that influence the options.
Identify the preferred option for resolving the conflict, and explain why it is the best option.
How does this option address the needs, potential, and motivations of the involved parties?
Propose steps Research Psychologist A should take to avoid a similar situation in the future.
